Whether you live in Cardiff and are looking for inspiration of where to go for the day or you are on holiday in Cardiff and looking for places close by to explore this guide on days trips from Cardiff is the travel guide for you.
Gower Peninsula
If you are visiting Cardiff and you have a car you definitely need to drive along the Gower Peninsula as it is absolutely stunning. Here you will find luscious moors, limestone cliff and sandy beaches.
Barry Island
Barry Island isn’t an actual island but a town in the Vale of Glamorgan about 9 miles from Cardiff. It used to be an island until 1880 when it was expanded to make the town of Barry. It is only small but it was fun and I would recommend a visit.
I had been wanting to visit Barry Island for ages ever since I watched Gavin and Stacey as I love the TV show.
There is a large billboard stating it’s the home of Gavin and Stacey and you can even go and see some of the sites including the houses that were used for filming.
People live in these houses so make sure you show respect. I didnt take any photos of the houses as felt a bit mean but it was still fun to see them we used this website for the postcodes of Gavin and Stacey sites a definite must if you are a fan of the show.
There is Barry Island pleasure arcade which is a little run down but quite nostalgic as it brought back memories of visiting the seaside when I was a kid. We had some chips and froze looking out to sea but thats what you do at the seaside.
There are also some nice beaches nearby Barry.
Caerphilly
Caerphilly is 7 miles from Cardiff.
I had heard of Caerphilly before I visited due to Caerphilly cheese which is a delicious crumbly cheese but this is now mainly produced in Somerset and Wiltshire.
It is also famous for the Caerphilly castle which is the 2nd largest castle in the UK. You can go inside the castle for £8.90 but we just walked around the outside and it was still interesting to see.
There is a Tommy copper 9ft bronze statue to commemorate the famous Caerphilly born comedian.
Swansea
Swansea is great for shopping. I had a girlie weekend in Swansea we spent the day shopping and then hit the bars for some great cocktails.
The thing I love about staying in Swansea was being close to the mumbles. This area is beautiful with its seafront and pier.
Swansea bay is also stunning you can clear the cobwebs walking on the beach in the wind or if you’re lucky and the sun is out it’s a great place to relax.
Carmarthen
Carmarthen is just over a hour’s drive from Cardiff.
There are beautiful beaches and Carmarthen is part of the Pembrokeshire national park which has some stunning coastlines and walks.
The highlights of Carmarthen are Kidwelly castle, Carmarthenshire museum, Carmarthen castle and Carmarthen market to get some local produce and crafts.
Rhondda Cynon Taff
Rhondda Cynon Taff is north from Cardiff and about 35 minute drive. You can also get the train.
Here you need to visit the wales mining experience where you can have underground tours of the mines and find out about its history and wales is very famous for its mining heritage.
If you like walking then walk to the Sgwd Yr Eira Waterfall. I say walk as the carpark is some distance away but it’s a great place to go for families.
If you are interested in waterfalls check out my article on the most beautiful waterfalls around the world.
There is also Dare valley country park for walks and trials.
If the sun is shining visit lido panty an outdoor swimming lido dating back to 1920s.
Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village
Only a 15 minute drive from Cardiff Cosmeston Lakes Country Park & Medieval Village is a great day out for all the family.
It covers over 100 acres and hopefully you will spot some of its wildlife.
The medieval village was uncovered when the park was constructed and has since been restored so you can see what it was like to live in wales over 600 hundred years ago.
Flat holm island
Flat holm island is the most southerly point in wales.
For such a small island it has so much history and is a great place to see wildlife.
You can do a boat day trip from Cardiff to Flat holm island more details can be found here
There is a landing fee of £5 per adult and £2.50 per child but then there are free tours of the island offered. There is a 100ft tall Grade II-listed lighthouse, two helipads and gun batteries on the island.
Or if your after adventure how about kayaking over to the island.
After exploring Wales you can cross over the bridge from wales to England.
Bristol
Now I am biased including Bristol since its where I live. There is so much to do in Bristol check out my Bristol articles here.
You can get the train from Cardiff to Bristol as there are lots of regular trains every day or you can drive. There is also the megabus which is really cheap I often get a return ticket for less that £5.
Highlights of Bristol are the harbourside, SS great Britain, Bristol cathedral and Bristol museum.
Bath
Next to Bristol you will find bath so you can do both these trips together or as separate day trips depending on how much time you have and what you want to see.
Bath is beautiful the best way to see it is from one of the tourist hop on buses as parking is a nightmare in bath this way it gets you to all the major attractions in bath.
If you have time I would recommend this Bath food tour to try some local delights.
You can read more about what to do in Bath here but the highlights are The Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Pulteney Bridge, No1 royal Crescent and Victoria Park.
Cotswolds
Its about 1 hour 30 mins drive from Cardiff to the Cotswolds which is why I suggest it as a Cardiff day trip but its worth the drive for the beautiful villages.
The Cotswolds are beautiful and this is the place to go if you like walking and traditional pubs.
The Cotswolds are famous for their little market towns and villages from honey coloured stone, my favourite Cotswold village is Castle Combe it is said it’s the prettiest village in England.
The Cotswolds would be a perfect trip from Cardiff is you are a keen walker or cyclists as they have many trials for outdoor activities.
Breacon Beacons
The Breacon Beacons is a mountain range in wales and is about 1 hour and 15 mins drive from Cardiff.
The Breacon Beacons National park has some of the finest walks in Europe. You however don’t have to be a keen walker to visit the Breacon Beacons I spent the night in a wonderful hotel in the Breacon Beacons Gliffaes Country House Hotel and then explored the beauty of the area by car.
Have I missed a good day trip from Cardiff if so get in touch and let me know.
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